The healthcare industry has since its inception relied on developing technologies to deliver improved patient outcomes. That process has only been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic (consider the rapid growth in mRNA tech alone). These innovations have developed into technology trends in health care that are shaping the evolution of the industry.
The Top 5 Trends in Healthcare Technology
While there are many healthcare technology trends dominating the market, five stand out above the rest. In fact, if you have received health medical treatment in the past year or so, you might have experienced these changes firsthand.
This is one of the most important health technology trends impacting the market. It has helped practitioners provide care remotely for patients who are too high risk to physically visit facilities during the pandemic. Doctors are able to administer treatment plans remotely and determine whether high-risk patients need in-person, follow-up appointments. According to the CDC, by as early as March, telemedicine visits had increased in number by 154%.
- Artificial Intelligence
Many healthcare facilities have turned to artificial intelligence in order to automate many of their processes. Developments like AI natural language processing help patients receive information faster and without having to consult a live practitioner. This was especially useful in helping people identify if their symptoms could be potentially COVID-related. Public health officials have also begun using AI to help residents determine vaccine eligibility. AI also enabled CT scan analysis and facial recognition even with masks on, likely accelerating its adoption rate.
- Machine Learning
Machines are rapidly outpacing humans when it comes to identifying trends and patterns up to. Public health officials and health care professionals are already relying on data analytics software and machine learning to improve patient outcomes and treatment. Data analytics have even played a part in helping to address COVID by tracking vaccination distribution in terms of fleet management and demographics served.
- Wearable Devices
Medical practitioners are leveraging wearable devices to monitor patients in real time. This also serves to feed analytics and machine learning systems with more data. Some of the most common uses include:
- Tracking steps or daily movement hours
- Heart rate sensors
- Blood oxygen sensors
- Sweat meters for diabetics
- Virtual Reality
Virtual reality has benefited both the mental and physical health of patients. WebMD describes the use of virtual reality in chemotherapy sessions to help patients pass the time. In some cases, patients are able to enjoy settings they might not otherwise have access to, such as going to the beach. Here are some additional treatment uses:
- Managing anxiety
- Controlling anger
- Making mothers more comfortable during labor
- Providing a mental escape for the physically disabled
How To Take Advantage of Trends in Healthcare IT
One distinct category of technology trends in health care is IT healthcare trends. The evolution in healthcare IT can dramatically improve your organization’s productivity, security, and efficiency. For many organizations, implementation is a major hurdle, but this process can be greatly facilitated and expedited with the right healthcare technology partner.
Let’s now dive into several key considerations for healthcare IT implementation.
Create a Budget for Health Care IT Trends
Your organization’s ability to incorporate technology will be, of course, limited by its budget and needs. This requires careful consideration and balance, whereby you prioritize the areas that can be best served by tech improvements (ROI, patient outcome improvement, etc.) against the cost. Many times, you’ll find that technology actually saves money in the long-term, but your budget cannot be an afterthought. Similarly, working with
Prioritize Security
Data breaches of health care facilities are on the rise, so keep cybersecurity as a top priority. Choose a tech partner that shares your commitment to data security. The best companies provide 24/7 monitoring, early detection, emergency response, and certified field technicians.
The Consequences of Ignoring Technology Trends in Healthcare
Technology has a transformative influence on the healthcare industry. Facilities can provide excellent service through skill and experience, but patients are also looking for convenience. Consequently, failure to adopt new technology in healthcare could lead to high costs for the organization.
Poor Patient Service
Most healthcare facilities do not have the manpower to field potentially hundreds of questions and concerns that could come in on a given day. There are several developments in automation that can render this an issue of the past, however.
Missed Appointments
As the pandemic worsened, many people canceled appointments. This was especially likely among high-risk persons who might need treatment most of all. Treatment lapses can have extremely negative effects on patients, especially when they require prescription medication. It also means your organization losses revenue. Having ways to deliver healthcare that can adapt to external limiting factors (like COVID) can dramatically reduce the number of missed appointments.
Shuttered Businesses
Healthcare facilities were mostly unaffected by shutdowns because they were the most essential businesses of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, health care workers experienced the greatest risks, which often caused closures anyway. Being able to work from home allowed professionals to serve patients during mandatory quarantines. 
We Help Providers Adopt Healthcare IT Trends so Their Organizations and Patients Benefit
When it comes to technology in healthcare, and more specifically IT for healthcare, practitioners need reliable service that can meet their needs. What’s more, they can’t afford to waste time on weaker tech – that translates into poorer patient outcomes as well as lost revenue to competition. This is why providers trust True North to transform the significantly enhance their IT environments. We provide a wide range of services, including:
- Compliance consulting
- Healthcare IT consulting,
- Data analytics solutions
- Patient data backup solutions
- Cybersecurity
- Telehealth solutions
- And more
Get in contact and start empowering your healthcare organization with industry-leading IT.
